Superhero Series

1. Superheroes have a hidden identity. As children, most of us watched superhero cartoons. We would witness people with superhuman strength and abilities entrusted to stop evil and create a safer environment for city. Many of the superheroes had a separate identity among the public. (I never understood why the animators would do this because it would be a lot easier to for the superhero to remain ‘super’ all day, but I guess superheroes have to make a living too.) They could easier conceal their identity and no one could figure out who they were.

As Christians, we should not live in this manner. Jesus is calling us to be a light in the world (Matthew 5:14-16). We must allow our light to shine so that others may see our good works and praise our Father in Heaven.

Unfortunately, many of us hide our identity as Children of the Most High. We hide behind other characteristics that conceal our true identity. We display characteristics of anger, malice, sexual sins, robbery, lying, etc. No one would ever believe you were a Christian – even if you told them!

We cannot be like superheroes that hide their identity from the public. We must allow our TRUE identity to show at ALL times.

2. Superheroes have super powers or a utility belt. Many superheroes have superpowers and others use man-made weapons and/or a utility belt to aid them in their quest. Likewise, Christians have been given a number of ‘abilities’ through Jesus Christ and ‘tools’ at their disposal to help them complete the mission God has placed upon their life:

The areas below are more than ‘abilities’ and ‘tools.’ I only use the terms as metaphors. In addition, the topics and scriptures below are not exhaustive, only a short reference.

• Jesus Christ – (John 1:1-14; John 14:6; Colossians 1:3-23; Hebrews 1:1-4; Hebrews 2:14-17; Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 Peter 3:18)
• Holy Spirit – (Matthew 10:17-20; John 3:5-7; John 16:13-14; Romans 8:18-27; 1 Corinthians 2)
• The Bible – (Psalm 119:9; Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
• Prayer – (Psalm 91:15; Psalm 119:170; Matthew 7:7-11; John 14:6; John 15:7; John 16:17-24; 1 Timothy 2:1-4; James 5:13-16)
• Fasting – (2 Chronicles 20:1-3; Nehemiah 9:1; Ezra 8:21-23; Daniel 10:1-21; Matthew 6:16-18; Mark 2:18-22)
• Fellow Christians – (Proverbs 27:17; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)

What’s currently on your utility belt? Do you use what God has provided for you?

3. Superheroes are public servants.

Mark 10:42-44 – But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.

Dictionary.com lists one of the definitions of servant as one who serves others. When someone serves, there is usually no salary involved. If a salary or fee is given, it is usually in retrospect to the support one has given. Unfortunately, many of the models we see in our ministries and churches today do not resemble the scripture above. They resemble the capitalistic business models within our society.

We must place safeguards for ourselves and others that keep us in right standing before the Father. Though we cannot always see the motives of man, they will manifest at some point through the outpouring of the heart (Mark 7:20-23).

God has entrusted to us His very Word. May all Christians begin to see what they can give, not what they will get in return.

Who are you TRULY serving?

^{Photo courtesy of Flickr.com/bdewey. Image covered under Creative Commons License.}